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Active Leisure

There is just so much to see and do - woodland walks, superb cycling, brilliant activities and loads of attractions to pack into your visit!
So why not get out there and start enjoying The National Forest. You could make a weekend of it and see where there is to stay using the map.

Walking

Walk among a sea of snowdrops in February, a blanket of bluebells in May or through the Forest's fiery displays of reds and golds in Autumn.
Download fantastic walks across the three counties of the Forest - Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

Short walksWalks up to 5 miles.

Medium walksWalks from 5 to 10 miles.

Long walksWalks over 10 miles.

Access for all
Specifically designed sites and attractions that are suitable for all abilities.
They include details of path surfaces and gradients; toilets and other facilities; inc. parking for the disabled.

The National Forest Way takes walkers on a journey through a transforming landscape, from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire (east to west, or west to east).

The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, market towns and the industrial heritage of the Forest’s changing landscape.

Forest Experiences

Survival skills and woodland crafts

The National Forest is one of the few places that you can have a go at ancient woodland crafts with Greenwood Days. Try pole lathe turning, willow weaving or making coracles, which date back thousands of years.

Our three survival schools show you how to make fire using flint or just wood, how to build shelters and identify plants and trees essential for survival in woodland. Find out more details and course dates for Woodland Ways, Survival School and Woodland Survival Skills

You can combine survival skills with Forest Four Wheel Drive on the new Voyager Course to learn the basics of expedition survival and driving.

Fishing

Fishing is becoming an ever-more popular pastime in The National Forest with ever-more fishing lakes set within the growing woodland.

Both beginners and experienced anglers can hone their fly-fishing skills at Foremark Fishing Lodge, with expert tuition, day permits and top fly patterns all part of the package.

Health Resorts

It doesn't have to be all-go on your break in The National Forest. Treat yourself to a bit of 'me-time' at one of our three luxurious health spas. You can be pampered and feel the stresses of daily life simply ebb away. Bliss!

Try a hot stones massage, work out at the gym or just enjoy the warmth of a sauna at Champneys Springs, Eden Day Spa at Hoar Cross Hall and Reeds Health Club and Spa within Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel. Go on... you are worth it!

Horse Riding

With quiet country lanes linking to sites where horse-riding is permitted, the rolling landscape of The National Forest is perfect to explore on horseback. Click through to the sites highlighted on the map to find out about riding routes and permit requirements or download the document below for information on horse riding facilities, such as suppliers and stables in The National Forest.

The British Horse Society has an Equine Mapping and Geographical Information Network – EMAGIN. This displays the National Bridle route Network for the whole of Britain and Ireland which benefits not only equestrians but also walkers and cyclists.

Water Sports

There are several pretty reservoirs across the area, which have playgrounds, open spaces for picnics and lovely woodland walks. Foremark and Staunton Harold reservoirs, also offer sailing and windsurfing. Fishing is also an ever-more popular pastime in the National Forest.

Attractions

There is truly so much to do in the area with interactive visitor centres and brilliant family attractions.

Journey through the past in our historic houses with their gorgeous gardens. Absorb the atmosphere in haunted castles, ancient priories and impressive churches or discover the workings of a bygone age through the area's rich industrial heritage.

Or savour drift-away-days on a canal boating break, explore the wonderful woodlands and spot the wealth of wildlife here.

By the water

Take time to explore our waterways, wetlands and woodland lakes.

Aqua Narrowboats based at Mercia Marina shows you everything you need to know to man the helm and embark on your brilliant break. Barton Marina is an essential canal-side stop-off point near Burton upon Trent. Heading north, you can visit Shardlow, one of only two surviving inland canal ports in the country.

For shorter canal boat cruises hop on at Moira Furnace on the recently restored Ashby Canal or watch the scenery gently roll past for an hour's cruise to Stenson or Willington with Mercia Leisure Trips, based at Mercia Marina. On your return you can enjoy a coffee in the café, browse its shops and set off on a canalside walk. You can now also stay in the Mercia Marina's Waterside Lodges.

Family fun

Both children and their older companions alike will love the interactive discovery centres and brilliant activities in the National Forest. Packed with places to take the whole family – whatever the weather!

Fantastic deals for short breaks

The National Forest Way

The National Forest Way takes walkers on a journey through a transforming landscape, from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire (east to west, or west to east).

The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, market towns and the industrial heritage of the Forest’s changing landscape.

Tourist Information Centres

The friendly staff in the Tourist Information Centres in The National Forest can help you book accommodation, get tickets for local events and provide top tips on where to eat and drink and how to get around the area. They can also provide more information on the National Quality Assessment Schemes.

National Forest Cycle Centre

The Conkers Circuit

For those wanting a gentle cycle ride, a family walk, a wildlife ramble or a daily jog, the four and a half mile Conkers Circuit is ideal for all ages with easy to follow circuit markers and shorter loops within it.

Trent Washlands

A large area of the River Trent floodplain close to Burton on Trent town centre. Attractions include Stapenhill Gardens, the Viking ship play area, a sculpture trail and nature walks. Wildlife can be found throughout the site, especially in the Burton Mail Woodland and on wildfowl scrapes. Angling, canoeing and rowing take place on the river through membership of local clubs.

The National Forest Way

The National Forest Way takes walkers on a journey through a transforming landscape, from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire (east to west, or west to east).

The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, market towns and the industrial heritage of the Forest’s changing landscape.

Catton Hall

Walton on Trent,
Derbyshire

Catton Hall, built in 1745 by Smith of Warwick, has a fascinating history and collection of pictures, furniture and memorabilia. Private chapel. Gardens run down to the River Trent. Camping, fishing, cycle and horse riding trails all available for groups only by prior arrangement.

Forest 4WD

The National Forest Way

The National Forest Way takes walkers on a journey through a transforming landscape, from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire (east to west, or west to east).

The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, market towns and the industrial heritage of the Forest’s changing landscape.

National Forest Walking Festival

Spring 2016
If you like walking - you'll love the National Forest Walking Festival.

Join in the short, medium and long guided walks across the varied landscape of The National Forest. Discover canals, rural villages, reservoirs and woodlands and hear fascinating facts about the wildlife and local heritage of this beautiful area.

The National Forest Way

The National Forest Way takes walkers on a journey through a transforming landscape, from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire (east to west, or west to east).

The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, market towns and the industrial heritage of the Forest’s changing landscape.

Fishing

Foremark Reservoir

Framed by woodland, this pretty reservoir offers excellent fishing, sailing and birdwatching and is on the route of two National Forest Walks: the Reservoirs Walk medium walk and the Oaks & Oaklands long walk.

Staunton Harold Reservoir

You can enjoy bird watching, dinghy and sailboarding with the Staunton Harold Sailing Club. Coarse fishing is also available by contacting Burton Mutual Fishing Club. Walks link to Calke Abbey and Foremark Reservoir.

Fishing

Trent Washlands

A large area of the River Trent floodplain close to Burton on Trent town centre. Attractions include Stapenhill Gardens, the Viking ship play area, a sculpture trail and nature walks. Wildlife can be found throughout the site, especially in the Burton Mail Woodland and on wildfowl scrapes. Angling, canoeing and rowing take place on the river through membership of local clubs.

Conkers

Moira,
Leicestershire

Conkers, a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. Enter a world of adventure - explore 4 discovery zones with interactive exhibits, ride on the Conkerchoo train and go wild in the adventure play areas.

Ashby de la Zouch Castle

Ashby de la Zouch,
Leicestershire

Tour the impressive ruins of this grand medieval manor house set in extensive grounds. Explore the secret kitchen tunnel used during the siege, climb the 24 metre high Hastings Tower and enjoy superb views over the surrounding countryside.

Claymills Victorian Pumping Station

Burton upon Trent,
Staffordshire

Claymills has four large beam engines (two working), five Lancashire boilers, steam powered engineering workshops with blacksmith's forge and steam hammer, early steam powered dynamo house and twenty other stationary steam engines. All engines are original to the pumping station.

A Rich Seam of Industrial Heritage

Various locations

Discover hundreds of years of industrial history through five new trails across South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire. The trails highlighted in a new Industrial Heritage Trail leaflet include: Canals, Coal Mining, Railways, Limeworking and Framework Knitting.

The National Forest Way

The National Forest Way takes walkers on a journey through a transforming landscape, from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire (east to west, or west to east).

The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, market towns and the industrial heritage of the Forest’s changing landscape.